Bhimashankar Temple is one of the important 12 Jyotirlinga temples, located in Pune, Maharashtra in the Ghats of the Sahayadri Mountains. As it is situated among the beauty of large forested area, it is a beautiful destination for pilgrims and they can see some very rare species of plants, trees and animals here. An escape from the hectic pace of urban life, it is a place where pilgrims can experience the loveliness of natural beauty and spiritual bliss. As it is located at an elevated plane, this holy place is also a favorite among trekkers, photographers and nature lovers.
An special aspect about the temple is the fact that the River Bhima originates here. It is also the location where the first Shivliga was found. The area surrounding the Bhimsankar Temple is a place of massive beauty and immense wilderness, such that it poses as the perfect area for exploring nature and understanding the depth of ancient flora and rare fauna. The temple with its ancient origins is a site that is simply spectacular with its ancient traditions, rituals and celebrations.
The key aspect about it is the fact that it is a Jyotirlinga temple, which means that Lord Shiva manifests himself as a column of light. So the temple’s power comes from this source of energy as opposed to images infested with spiritual power through mantras. People from all over the country and the world throng here to see the spectacular sigtht of various poojas and ceremonies, gain blessing so that their wishes are fulfilled. Many come here to attain a higher spiritual mind and overcome obstacles by attending specific pooja conducted at different times of the day. After spending time taking in the spirituality of the place, you can enjoy exploring the natural beauty of this place through safari rides, which are conducted from morning 6 am to evening 6 pm.
Architecture of Bhimashankar Temple
When you look at the beauty of the temple's architecture it is indeed stunning. Those who are inspired by ancient building methods will find this temple to be the perfect place of study as it exhibits many older principles of construction. It is indeed a spellbinding sight to behold such a majestic temple amidst the beauty of immensely forested surroundings. Exploring the structure is an experience that you will never forget as it will take you into the most interesting spots where you can see sculptures, carvings and much more.
This temple is constructed according to the nagara architecture style and displays the skills of the Viswakarma sculptors. The current structure dates back to the 13th century, but many areas of it were added over a period of time. For example, it is in the 18th century that the sabhamandap and the Shikara were built by Nana Fadnavis. The bell of the emple is very unique as it has the idol of Mother Mary with Jesus, reason being that it was a bell that was collected by Chimaji Appa who won a war against the Portuguese at Vasai Fort. As news sections were added to the 13th century structure, you can see that the interiors are a mix of ancient and later building styles, which makes it very interesting and unique.
The key feature about this temple construction and structure is that it is set amidst wilderness, almost seeming inaccessible, however with modern transport facilities, h thousands of pilgrims throng to its every year. The calm sound of the flowing river is indeed very soothing and brings peace to the mind right away.
History of Bhimashankar Jyotirling
In the forests of Dakini lived the demon Bhima, whom mortals and immortal Devas were afraid. One day he asked his mother Karkati, why he was abandoned in the wilderness of the forests to which she replied that he was none other than son of Kumbakarna, who was the younger brother of Ravana. Ashe told him that his father was killed by Lord Rama. On hearing this, he wanted to take revenge of Lord d Rama and hence prayed to Lord Brahma.
Demon Tripurasura underwent heavy penance in the Bhimasankar jungle to Lord Brahma for immortality. Pleased by his devotion, the Lord blessed him with immortality but on the condition that he would use it for the betterment of the local people around him. He did so for a while and then forgot about this condition, wreaking havoc on them. He also started troubling various deities who with Brahma approached the Lord Shiva for help. Meanwhile Bhima orders Kamarupeshwar to pray to him instead of Lord Shiva.
He did not abide and continued to pray to Lor d Shiva in lingam form. When Bhima raised his sword to strike the Linga when Kamarupeshwara was performing an abhishekam and pooja., Lord Shiva appeared before him and a terrible war began. Lord Shiva prayed to Goddess Parvati to help him and both took the form of ardh-narya-nateshwar”. In this form, together they killed Tripurasara and the day is known as Tripurasara Poornima. Gods and saes alike requested Lord Shiva to make the place his abode and to answer their request Lord Shiva manifested himself as the Bhimashankara Jyotirlingam.
Bhimashankar Temple facts
- It is located in the Bhorgiri village and is a cool place owing to the fact that it is about 3500 feet above sea level.
- Close to the temple is the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary which is giving it a lot of attention
- As it is situated in the Sahayadri Hills, it is a getaway spot for many people living in Mumbai and Pune
- Elevated location of the temple makes it experience monsoons and heavy showers
- In the hills of Manmaad which is at a height of 1034 meters close-by you can see carvings of Bhooting, Bhimasankar, Amba- Ambika
- It lies on the banks of the River Bhima, which flows eastwards and merges with the Krishna River
- Areas surrounding the temple are fabulous for hiking, trekking and attracts thousands of nature lovers every year
- Many endowments to the temple were made by Chatrapati shivaji maharaj
- Temple is decorated with Dasavatar statues of Lord Vishnu which is a unique and special features
- The height of the temple provides a vantage point to view rivers, forts and sorrounding hills stations
- The surrounding forested area is home to very unusual flora and fauna, which is native only to this part of the world
- It is said that sweat from Lord Shiva’s body pouring out from the battle resulted in formation of the Bhimarathi River.
- The surrounding wildlife reserve protects the immense diversity of plant and animals life that is unique to this part of the world.
- The foregrounding area is fabulous for bird lovers who can come to sight endangered species such as quaker babbler, Malabar Pied Hornbil, Black eagle etc.
- The location has a unique combination of small stream, rocky terrain and ancient caves, making it a treasure to nature and ancient world explorers
- Surrounding forested area is home to a rare malabar Giant squirrel called Shekaru and close to this spot is the Bhorgiri Fort
- Mokshakund thirtha associated with Sage Kaushika lies just behind the Bhimashankar temple
- Inside the precincts of the temple is a small shrine for Lord Shani
- There is also a shrine inside for Daakini and Shaakini who assisted Lord Shiva in his battle against demon Tripurasura
- Since the time of the Peshwas, the temple has undergone many renovations
- In the forested area around the temple, there are 14 sacred groves, each of which have the most exquisite flora and fauna, many believed to originate only from this place
- The adjacent Bhorgiri village is surrounded and filled with fireflies which light up the place spectacular before arrival of the monsoon
How to Reach
Bhimsankar is best to visit between the months of August to February. Bhimsankar is connected to Pune city by road and buses ply every thirty minutes to it from Pune.
Look into the MSRTC buses that operate from Pune to Bhimashankar every half an hour from 5:30 am upto 4:00 pm. You can also buy tickets to Bhimsankar in State Transport buses that operate from Shivajinagar, Pune. The amount to be spent on such bus trip si just Rs.155 and it takes about five hours to reach Bhimsankar from Pune
Air – Reach the Pune airport and then take a bus to Bhimsankar
Train - Reach the Pune railway station and then take a bus to Bhimsankar
Road – Arrive at Bhimsankar either through bus or cab service from cities in Maharashtra or from other state through highways that connect to Maharashtra and then follow the local road route to the temple.
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